A WOMAN who helped foil a drug-addled bag snatcher has received a commendation from Chester's most senior judge.

Debbie Williams chased after thief Raymond Leslie Pickstock, 20, in her car, forcing him to hand back the bag and most of the money.

Judge Elgan Edwards, the Honorary Recorder of Chester, sitting at Chester Crown Court, sent Pickstock to a young offender's institute for a year.

He then said: 'I issue a crown court commendation to Miss Williams.

'I am very impressed by her character. She was very public spirited and it took a lot of courage to drive around Ellesmere Port, following this defendant. She is to be very much commended for her actions.'

Pickstock, who admitted theft, has the mental age of a child, the court heard. He had claimed voices in his head told him to steal Gabrielle Unsworth's bag while she was shopping in Smithy Lane, Little Sutton.

Mrs Unsworth, 58, had £100 in her handbag to pay her optician's bill and £30 in loose cash when she went out on September 10.

She got a newspaper and her dry cleaning. But as she was walking down Smithy Lane, she heard someone running up behind her.

Pickstock snatched her bag out of her hand and ran off. She also lost her house keys in the theft.

Miss Williams saw Pickstock run by her and realised he had just mugged Mrs Unsworth. So she got back in her car and drove after him. She shouted at Pickstock to give up the bag and the money, which he did.

Prosecutor Bernard Byrne said all but £50 was recovered. No-one was hurt.